Obituary
Anna Maria “Nina” Thibault
Anna Maria “Nina” Thibault, 73, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, October 19th, at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Nina is survived by her only child, Stephan Peter Andree, his wife, Lisa and grandsons, Elliott and Conrad Andree, all of Wilmington, NC. She is also survived by her sister, Mrs. Alf Brueckner, of Weingarten, Germany, sister-in-law, Mrs. Otto Bartl, of Mulhouse, France, five nieces, and one nephew. Her brother, Otto, preceded her in death in October 2010.
Nina was born on February 25, 1938 to Hugo and Regina Bartl in Boras, Sweden. She spent her childhood and young adulthood in Germany where she studied fashion design. Later, she relocated to the U.S. and resided in Oklahoma and Arkansas before moving to La Crosse.
Nina’s close circle of friends served as her extended family and she enjoyed spoiling them with her culinary talents. In addition to being an excellent seamstress, avid gardener, classical music aficionado, card maker, and cat lover, Nina was a skilled baker and famous for her German specialties. She also delighted in the natural beauty of the great outdoors and enjoyed visits to Goose Island, Myric Park, and the banks of the Mississippi.
Later in her life, Nina earned her B.A. and Master’s degree in drug and alcohol counseling, and worked as a drug and alcohol therapist for many years.
Since June 2010, she resided at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center, and bravely battled a debilitating illness. Nina’s determination and courage were complimented by her dry sense of humor and she was an inspiration to many.
A memorial service to honor Nina will be conducted by the Coulee Region Cremation Group at the Oak Grove Cemetery Chapel, 1407 La Crosse St., La Crosse at 2:00 pm on the afternoon of Saturday, October 22, 2011. The Rev. Robert Cook will officiate. A visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Oak Grove Chapel before the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to honor Nina’s memory, please do so by making a donation to:
New Horizons Shelter and Women’s Center/P.O. Box 2031/La Crosse, WI 54601
Nina’s family wishes to thank the kind and supportive staff of Bethany St. Joseph Care Center, Hospice, and Dr. John Teske for the loving care they provided.
Her family extends their most heartfelt gratitude to Nina’s closest and dearest friends: Mrs. Ray Spiller of Greenbriar, TN, Mrs. Alex Chiu, Mrs. Karel Cejpek, and Ms. Julie Berger of La Crosse. Thank you all for your enduring and devoted friendship, especially during Nina’s illness. Online condolences may be left at www.couleecremation.com.
I am deeply sadden by the news of my friend, Nina.My deepest sympathy to her family. I shared a lot of time with her while she lived here in La Crosse.We did our alchol and drug training together. When she moved on to get her masters degree, she inspired me to do the same. We were one semester apart and enjoyed sharing opinions about our studies and of course the teachers! We dove-tailed our employment at the former St.Francis Hospital in out patient and inpatient work with AODA clients. She was a good friend. We shared her cuisine and love of music. We last heard Winton Marsalis. Her face during the concert revealed Nina at a younger time ,holding a cigarette only as she could. She would lower her eyelids in a senuous, almost shy manner as the music played on. I didn’t know of her passing because I don’t get the paper.I overheard a conversation. Good bye to my friend.